How to Convert Text to Date Format in Excel
Excel is a powerful tool for managing and analyzing data, but working with dates in Excel can be frustrating when they are in text format. Fortunately, you can convert your text data into a proper date format, making it easier to sort, filter, and perform calculations on your data.
In this guide, we will show you how to convert text to date in Excel, so you can get the most out of your data.
Text Date vs. Regular Date in Excel
Excel stores date as numerical values, enabling you to use them in calculations just like regular numbers. This also allows you to format dates or evensort your data by date, which you can’t do when dates are in text format.
For example, the date format14-Feb-2023is valid in Excel. If you type it in a cell, it would show as a date, but Excel would store it as44971, which is the number that corresponds to the date14-Feb-2023.
However, if you write14.Feb.2023, it’ll be treated as a text string because it is not a valid date format. Therefore, you may’t use it in calculations because it isn’t stored as a number.
How to Convert Text to Date in Excel
If you have text in your Excel sheet you want in date format, the following are various methods you can use to convert the text to date in Excel.
1. Using the DATEVALUE Function
The DATEVALUE function converts text strings into serial numbers, which you can change to acceptable date formats. Here’s how to convert your text to date using the DATEVALUE function.
Now that you’ve converted the text into numbers, you need to change the numbers to date. Here’s how.
You canuse custom formatting in Excelif you don’t want to use the default date settings. Follow the steps below.
2. Using the VALUE Function
If your text represents a date, you can use the VALUE function in Excel to convert it into numerical values, which you can change to dates. Here’s how to convert text to date using the VALUE function.
You’ll get a serial number, which you can then convert to an actual date.
3. Using Text to Columns
If the text contains numbers that are separated by spaces, periods, or slashes, you can useText to Columnsto convert it to date without using a formula. Here’s how.
Change the Date Format in Excel for Easy Data Analysis
Converting text to date is useful for effective data analysis and manipulation. By using various Excel functions and formatting options, you may easily convert text values into date values, which you can then use in calculations, charts, and other data analysis tools.
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